The most common questions about pashminas are: ‘What is pashmina? Where does it come from? How is it different from cashmere? Why is it so expensive?’.

The word pashmina is derived from the Persian word for wool popularly called cashmere, originating from an ancient spelling of Kashmir. Pashmina is exceptionally fine wool from the undercoat of Capra Hircus mountain goats (Changra) that live in the most remote regions of the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau that cross from Kashmir through Nepal to Tibet. The important distinction between cashmere and pashmina is that the inner coat of hair from a Himalayan goat is the real pashmina wool - the root word, pashm meaning inside.  Pure pashmina, both rare and expensive is called ‘Diamond Fibre’ and it is the real pashmina, when spun and woven correctly that can achieve the luxurious sheen so prized by experts and consumers alike. The pashmina harvested from approximately three goats makes a scarf.

Pashmina hair is said to be approximately one sixth the diameter of human hair. The next most important element in the creation of a luxurious garment, is the manufacturing process. Essentially, spinning and weaving must be done by experts, the whole process requires care and precision. Bad weaving can be costly when for example, garments are ruined by a single run! The best pashminas are still constructed in the traditional methods by people who still maintain the ancient wooden looms handed down from generation to generation. Good Nepalese pashmina is luxurious in appearance and touch, with a unique lustrous quality that may resemble the wings of a silky, velvety moth. It is both delicate and durable.

Pashmina is said to be the softest fiber in nature. It does not irritate the skin the way that ordinary wool may, and is incredibly light to wear. Labeled the hottest fashion accessory for the last decade - pashminas have already transcended fad status and become a real trend. Originally only seen on the catwalks of Paris and Milan or draped around the shoulders of jet-setting film stars and celebrities, the versatile pashmina shawl has become an essential part of every woman’s wardrobe. More western men are also beginning to realize what a great friend a pashmina can be on the ski slopes or tucked into a coat on a cold day.

Bhandari stock the fashionable blend of 70% pashmina and 30% silk as well as the more traditional superfine 100% pure pashmina shawls and the even finer 70% pashmina x 30% silk blend woven with a 60 micron thread known as the 'wedding ring shawl' due to its extreme fineness of fabric that is warm, luxurious yet so thin that it can be pulled through a ring.